Moscow's Red Square is where Ivan IV (the Terrible) disfigured and executed his victims, funded the construction of St Basil's Cathedral and where he would pray and repent of his sins at Lobnoe Mesto. So, if you're planning a visit, here’s a list of some features which are worth stopping at and going "ooh".
St Basil’s Cathedral
There’s no doubt that this is by far the most famous building, but when setting your eyes on this fascinating piece of 16th century architecture it’s easy to see why.
In fact, Ivan the Terrible liked the structure so much, he had the architect blinded so that no building like it could be built again.
A bit extreme but this structure really is breath taking. Not that anyone approves of Ivan’s doings. Blinding architects is a no-no.
Lobnoe Mesto
The name itself might be somewhat off-putting, "execution place". But executions were never actually carried out here; if you’re interested, they took place behind St Basil’s Cathedral at Vasilevsky Spusk.
In Russian "lob" means forehead, "mesto" is place, so really it translates as "Forehead Place", not so scary after all. Since the 16th century it has primarily been used as a speakers’ platform.
You can take good pictures of this feature and the surrounding buildings from all angles.
Lenin Mausoleum
This is the big one. Once you've been inside this granite structure you can brag to all your friends that you’ve laid your eyes upon Lenin’s real dead body.
Rumour has it that Vladimir Lenin’s embalmed body is actually a wax replica. Being told not to linger around the crystal casket for too long does make you slightly suspicious. However it’s still worth visiting the mausoleum and having a look for yourself. Preserved since 1924 or a wax replica? You decide.
GUM
No, this place hasn’t got anything to do with chewing, although there are cafes and food stores inside. GUM (pronounced goom) is a shopping mall consisting of around 200 high-end, pricey boutiques which most people can only afford to drool at.
Don't give up hope, though. Just to be able to say that you’ve purchased something in GUM, go to Bosco’s Cafe and get some ice cream. Affordable, practical and delicious.
As GUM is not a museum, you’re allowed to take photos, so you can have proof of splashing out (eating ice cream) at one of Moscow’s major shopping malls always at hand.
Kazan Cathedral
Built in the 1630s, destroyed by Stalin in 1936 and then rebuilt to its pre-Soviet state in 1993, this place certainly has a history. Putting all that aside though, this building, resembling a fancy cupcake, is a delight to look at.
Some diabetics have admitted that being in a country where cathedrals and churches look like giant candy has proved to be rather difficult for them.
Historical Museum
If you’re a museum lover, then you’ll be happy to know that this museum houses a collection of around 20,000 exhibits, including Palaeolithic mammoth remains. Mammoth remains, that’s enough to tempt anyone, right?
It’s also a great place to find out about Russia’s history and the building alone is worth admiring and pointing your fingers (and camera) at.
Resurrection Gate
When passing through the Resurrection Gate you can’t help but going, "Ooh, I’m entering the Red Square, and there’s St Basil’s cathedral, it looks like candy." Not only is the gate pretty, it sends the butterflies in your stomach berserk. Make sure you don’t trip over your feet though.
Just One of Moscow’s Highlights
Of course there’s a lot more to Moscow than just Red Square, but coming to the city, and not visiting this great landmark will be the same as spending two weeks in Paris and not even having a look at the Eiffel Tower.
On the whole, whether summer or winter, it’s a great day out and should be on the top of your "must see list" if planning a trip to Moscow.
Thai Kuzmina - Hello, at the moment I'm working on a collection of short stories but I love writing articles on all sorts of topics. I have studied ...
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